EQLT tracks an index of emerging market stocks perceived to be higher quality. The starting universe begins with large- and mid-cap stocks from the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The fund calculates a Quality Score for each security using three fundamental metrics: high return on equity, stable year-over-year earnings growth, and low financial leverage. The fund selects securities with higher quality scores until it covers about half of the market-cap within each country in the parent index. The fund then assigns weights by multiplying each securitys market-cap weight in the parent index by a Tilt Score. The Tilt Score accounts for the securitys quality score and relative market-cap position. The resulting weights are normalized to build the portfolio. Issuers are capped at 5%, along with other country and sector weight limits. The fund may invest in derivatives or engage in securities lending. The index is reviewed and rebalanced semi-annually.
Exchange Traded Funds
Stock Market Index
MSCI EAFE
Morgan Stanley